After being beaten hollow on Sunday, West Indies A made as many as three changes to their line-up. At least two of those turned out to be inspired choices as they squared the series by batting India A out of the game. Jonathan Carter, the Barbados allrounder, played an innings that mirrored Yuvraj Singh's comeback century for its pace and impact - cautious at the start, ballistic towards the end. With this tour serving as a selection trial for the senior team's tour in November, Carter may well have pushed his case forward.

Carter was an unfamiliar face to the current crop of India A bowlers, who were not part of the squad that toured the Caribbean last year. His stand of 131 with Leon Johnson, another player brought in for this game, defined the game for West Indies, pushing the score to 279, which was beyond India to chase.

Carter came in at the fall of the second wicket, and his stint may well have ended on 6, had Yusuf Pathan not put down a regulation chance at slip off Shahbaz Nadeem. Yusuf had it covered but the ball popped out and he failed to take it on the rebound. It was the first example of India's insipid catching and particularly, the ground fielding. This lapse cost India dear.

Carter was slow to begin with, scoring at a strike late of 50 and thereabouts. Kirk Edwards found his touch with three boundaries through the off side in one over by Vinay Kumar. The reckless dismissals of Edwards and Andre Russell - both coming straight after hitting sixes - pegged back West Indies, but when the time came for Carter to take charge, he did it with measured aggression.

The tactic of attempting to clear the rope off every ball, as Russell did in his 4-ball stint, wasn't the way forward. Carter was more selective in his strokeplay. After top-edging Vinay down to fine leg, his first convincing boundary came off a sweep off Nadeem. He gained in confidence against the spinners, cutting Yusuf past short third man and pulling when the spinners dropped it short.

He was equally comfortable against the pace of Jaydev Unadkat, pulling and whipping him for consecutive boundaries to bring up his fifty. It took 82 balls to get there, and much like Yuvraj's knock on Sunday, the pace quickened drastically after passing the milestone. What helped Carter progress was the presence of an equally positive Johnson. Johnson too, was let off early - on 7 - but to be fair to Robin Uthappa, it was a tough one-handed chance at slip.

Carter was determined to make the best use of the batting Powerplay - taken after 35 overs - carving the ball over extra cover and using his feet against the spinners, one shot nearly cleaning up Pathan and the umpire. Earlier, he survived a run-out chance on 66, when Johnson pushed the ball to cover and sent back Carter who was nearly halfway down the pitch. Unmukt Chand's throw was wide and Carter was lucky to still be there.

Every missed opportunity against Carter came with a price. He lofted Pathan several rows over long-on, lofted Vinay over cover, scythed full tosses from the spinners over deep midwicket. Few of Carter's slogs looked ungainly. None of the seamers were able to contain him, as he pounced on anything pitched up. The absence of yorkers hurt the Indians, as it did the tourists in the opening game. Carter moved to 99 with a massive six over deep midwicket that nearly landed on the second tier.

He reached his century with a single to long-on and in contrast to Yuvraj's restrained acknowledgement to the crowd, Carter did a leap, roared towards his team-mates and was so caught up in the moment that he failed to turn around to look at his partner. Johnson did the honors by jogging across and embracing his partner.

Carter was the beneficiary of two misfields at the rope that resulted in boundaries, reflective of a poor day in the field for India. Carter was eventually lbw playing all around a full delivery from Unadkat for 133. Thanks to his assault, West Indies managed 135 off their last 15 overs.

Till this knock, Carter had only one first-class century, but no List A ton to his credit. Did his knock surprise his own team-mates? "Not really," said his captain Kieran Powell. "Jonathan has generally made starts and we have always been talking to him about going on to make that big score and today he really played a massive innings for the team, especially the situation he was in. Everyone was expecting that from him, and he delivered."

The chase played out in a very similar manner to the opening game, only this time with the teams reversed. The seamers bowled to a plan of bouncing out the young Indian batsmen and Powell later said that he had juggled the bowlers a bit differently and varied his field settings, which ultimately played a part. The upper tier of the western stand was packed - pleasing for a working day - but when Yuvraj and Pathan departed off successive balls, sections of the crowd started filtering out.

Great that Carter finally got a game and scores 133 straight up ! I backed this guy since first time I saw him was also disappointed when Barbados dropped him in CPL after some promising starts. From last month ahead of CPL semi,

"Posted by BRUTALANALYST on (August 23, 2013, 17:12 GMT)
I want to see Carter of Barbados back opening I see something in him, hits a clean ball with good technique just needs one big innings and it will all come together for him."

Well Barbados missed out not continuing with him I'm so glad he got chance for W.I A and showed his worth first game getting that big innings . If he gets a couple more scores Darren Bravo's position could be in trouble ! great innings hope there's more to come.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 18, 2013, 16:41 GMT

Posted by simonviller on (September 18, 2013, 15:21 GMT)
There's quite a talk about Johnson the pacer ! How is he with the bat ?

Simon, here are a few details about "Sprint" as he is known...

Just turned 25 a few days ago, he is a tall guy, bowls with a good high action too. Left armer with decent pace, uses his angle and height aggressively, regularly troubles batsmen with bounce and movement and has pretty economical stats. Strong with a decent fitness record - can bowl long spells. Handy with the bat (left handed), has a first class 50 to his name and averages around 17.

simonviller
on September 18, 2013, 15:21 GMT

There's quite a talk about Johnson the pacer ! How is he with the bat ? My reason for asking is that WI team is still searching for consistency in batting and depends on the lower order to suppliment the top . Any good lefty quick would mean the world to WI cricket team since they ere so rare in the history of WI cricket . They are a menace to the right handers most of the time with their natural swing and angle of delivery ,so I hope to see this young man for WI soon to see his effect within the team .

Naresh28
on September 18, 2013, 11:17 GMT

First NZ and now WI has shown some new talent. This is really good for world
cricket. With the dropped catch the game was also lost for India. I hope its just an off day for Yusaf otherwise he can be a destructive batsman. We are seeing lots
of focus on new talent in international cricket:- Zim, SA and England also
producing talent.

on September 18, 2013, 10:20 GMT

@ Posted by BRUTALANALYST on (September 18, 2013, 7:25 GMT)

I liked Beaton's action and also made a complementary (though a bit satirical) post on young Beaton.

Though Cummins seems ready to be picked; I liked Beaton too. Hope, Beaton also does well. Somehow, Cummins & Beaton together bowling from either end reminds me of Walsh & Ambrose - one of my all-time favorite opening bowlers. They were not only great bowlers; they are great humans too. Lovable guys, just like most west Indians are.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 18, 2013, 8:54 GMT

@Dashgar,

I completely agree. Delorn Johnson should have already played test cricket for the Windies. Exactly what the selectors are waiting for is beyond me. And as for Miguel Cummins, one can only hope that they give this young man a run in the test side soon. He has so much potential to be a great new ball bowler. Would love to see Roach, Cummins and Johnson together - variation, youth, aggression, pace and talent - just what the West Indian attack needs.

BRUTALANALYST
on September 18, 2013, 7:25 GMT

HAHA @Jose an Prahlad Kumar If you read my comments you would of seen I was talking about Beaton who was the guy Yuvraj hit for 24 he wa sin last U19 World Cup he still 19/20 big deal he got smashed in 1 over he's a kid so did Broad an the other guy Bonner (who went for 30 from 2) isn't even a bowler and was only bowling first game cos Russell was injured. If you noticed team sheet you'd see neither were playing yesterday and Yuvraj didn't have any fun in fact he struggled with his 40 !

on September 18, 2013, 5:32 GMT

@ Prahlad Kumar on (September 17, 2013, 22:01 GMT)

When Brutalanalyst sets up a school , all his school children will be in the age group of 23 to 31. IT will be unique school in the world, and will be eligible for an entry in the Guinness!

on September 18, 2013, 5:29 GMT

I think, giving a chance to the sidelined players was a good gesture. It looks, as if it should not be anything more than that. Even if they regain their batting or bowling form two things can be erased: (1) Younger alternatives (in bunch) has come up for almost every position; & (2) There is low chance of they regaining the agility and alertness in fielding and catching. We have to keeping moving forward.

Even among the youngsters; we should watch out for sloppiness in fielding / catching, lack of intent (especially when they are just a member of the team); selfishness (not a team player), and similar traits and such youngsters should also be ruthlessly dropped.

Even after putting the list through the above two filters, we have enough to choose from. If SUCH players still lose a couple of matches during the learning /adapting process, it will be a worthwhile investment.

on September 18, 2013, 5:17 GMT

Unmukth Chand: Whether it is batting or fielding, we keep on seeing a different Chand, who is only half as confident as the normal one when he is THE CAPTAIN. Is it CONFIDENCE, or INTENSITY ? I am not so sure. If it is a drop in the intent, it is not a good trait for a potential leader; and it can sometime or the other let selfishness sneak in. You can see that, in potential run out situations too; he is desperate to keep his wicket and dive into the crease, even when his partner is batting better. May be, for a senior he might sacrifice his wicket. Any way watch him next time, when such a situation arises!

BRUTALANALYST
on September 17, 2013, 13:44 GMT

Great that Carter finally got a game and scores 133 straight up ! I backed this guy since first time I saw him was also disappointed when Barbados dropped him in CPL after some promising starts. From last month ahead of CPL semi,

"Posted by BRUTALANALYST on (August 23, 2013, 17:12 GMT)
I want to see Carter of Barbados back opening I see something in him, hits a clean ball with good technique just needs one big innings and it will all come together for him."

Well Barbados missed out not continuing with him I'm so glad he got chance for W.I A and showed his worth first game getting that big innings . If he gets a couple more scores Darren Bravo's position could be in trouble ! great innings hope there's more to come.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 18, 2013, 16:41 GMT

Posted by simonviller on (September 18, 2013, 15:21 GMT)
There's quite a talk about Johnson the pacer ! How is he with the bat ?

Simon, here are a few details about "Sprint" as he is known...

Just turned 25 a few days ago, he is a tall guy, bowls with a good high action too. Left armer with decent pace, uses his angle and height aggressively, regularly troubles batsmen with bounce and movement and has pretty economical stats. Strong with a decent fitness record - can bowl long spells. Handy with the bat (left handed), has a first class 50 to his name and averages around 17.

simonviller
on September 18, 2013, 15:21 GMT

There's quite a talk about Johnson the pacer ! How is he with the bat ? My reason for asking is that WI team is still searching for consistency in batting and depends on the lower order to suppliment the top . Any good lefty quick would mean the world to WI cricket team since they ere so rare in the history of WI cricket . They are a menace to the right handers most of the time with their natural swing and angle of delivery ,so I hope to see this young man for WI soon to see his effect within the team .

Naresh28
on September 18, 2013, 11:17 GMT

First NZ and now WI has shown some new talent. This is really good for world
cricket. With the dropped catch the game was also lost for India. I hope its just an off day for Yusaf otherwise he can be a destructive batsman. We are seeing lots
of focus on new talent in international cricket:- Zim, SA and England also
producing talent.

on September 18, 2013, 10:20 GMT

@ Posted by BRUTALANALYST on (September 18, 2013, 7:25 GMT)

I liked Beaton's action and also made a complementary (though a bit satirical) post on young Beaton.

Though Cummins seems ready to be picked; I liked Beaton too. Hope, Beaton also does well. Somehow, Cummins & Beaton together bowling from either end reminds me of Walsh & Ambrose - one of my all-time favorite opening bowlers. They were not only great bowlers; they are great humans too. Lovable guys, just like most west Indians are.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 18, 2013, 8:54 GMT

@Dashgar,

I completely agree. Delorn Johnson should have already played test cricket for the Windies. Exactly what the selectors are waiting for is beyond me. And as for Miguel Cummins, one can only hope that they give this young man a run in the test side soon. He has so much potential to be a great new ball bowler. Would love to see Roach, Cummins and Johnson together - variation, youth, aggression, pace and talent - just what the West Indian attack needs.

BRUTALANALYST
on September 18, 2013, 7:25 GMT

HAHA @Jose an Prahlad Kumar If you read my comments you would of seen I was talking about Beaton who was the guy Yuvraj hit for 24 he wa sin last U19 World Cup he still 19/20 big deal he got smashed in 1 over he's a kid so did Broad an the other guy Bonner (who went for 30 from 2) isn't even a bowler and was only bowling first game cos Russell was injured. If you noticed team sheet you'd see neither were playing yesterday and Yuvraj didn't have any fun in fact he struggled with his 40 !

on September 18, 2013, 5:32 GMT

@ Prahlad Kumar on (September 17, 2013, 22:01 GMT)

When Brutalanalyst sets up a school , all his school children will be in the age group of 23 to 31. IT will be unique school in the world, and will be eligible for an entry in the Guinness!

on September 18, 2013, 5:29 GMT

I think, giving a chance to the sidelined players was a good gesture. It looks, as if it should not be anything more than that. Even if they regain their batting or bowling form two things can be erased: (1) Younger alternatives (in bunch) has come up for almost every position; & (2) There is low chance of they regaining the agility and alertness in fielding and catching. We have to keeping moving forward.

Even among the youngsters; we should watch out for sloppiness in fielding / catching, lack of intent (especially when they are just a member of the team); selfishness (not a team player), and similar traits and such youngsters should also be ruthlessly dropped.

Even after putting the list through the above two filters, we have enough to choose from. If SUCH players still lose a couple of matches during the learning /adapting process, it will be a worthwhile investment.

on September 18, 2013, 5:17 GMT

Unmukth Chand: Whether it is batting or fielding, we keep on seeing a different Chand, who is only half as confident as the normal one when he is THE CAPTAIN. Is it CONFIDENCE, or INTENSITY ? I am not so sure. If it is a drop in the intent, it is not a good trait for a potential leader; and it can sometime or the other let selfishness sneak in. You can see that, in potential run out situations too; he is desperate to keep his wicket and dive into the crease, even when his partner is batting better. May be, for a senior he might sacrifice his wicket. Any way watch him next time, when such a situation arises!

Dashgar
on September 17, 2013, 22:22 GMT

Cummins is clearly a star in the making but why isn't Delorn Johnson playing as well. He has been dominating on the A circuit for a while and should be here. If he could play well in Indian conditions he'd be a great inclusion for their test tour.

on September 17, 2013, 22:01 GMT

@brutal anlyst arent they the same school boys who emerged victorious against an indian team,hahha breaking news an school boys team from wi defeated a star studded indian team ,hey dude use ur brain they have 7 international players in their lineup,so,i urge u to change ur comment

on September 17, 2013, 18:21 GMT

good win guys very well done carter very proud good knock keep going and working hard on your batting and you will make the team

BRUTALANALYST
on September 17, 2013, 15:47 GMT

I have no idea why W.I are still playing 2 keepers in Fletcher and Thomas whilst being a pace bowler short with 2 very promising left arm quicks in Johnson and Cotterell on the sidelines. Johnson also troubled this India A in the home series I'd really like to see Fletcher take gloves and one of these 2 given a game in place of Thomas.I thought Powell captain's well for first time although I'd like to see them more aggressive to Yuvraj when he first comes in and get pacers to utilize 2 bouncers more often. Cummins was exceptional today as was Miller, troubling Indians with spin is no mean feat an troubling and keeping Yuvi quiet is sign of a top bowler. If any IPL sides are clever they will be watching Miller he has an exceptional economy rate even better than Narines and has been top spinner in region for a while he and pacer Santokie would be big assets to any IPL side.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 17, 2013, 13:54 GMT

Indian batsmen will not be the only ones troubled by the pace and accuracy of young Miguel Cummins - a fine prospect.

Nampally
on September 17, 2013, 13:43 GMT

India A bowling is very weak. Only 3 regular bowlers in Unadkat, Vinay & Nadeem- the rest of the bowling was of Club standard. Yuvraj had a choice of leaving Rahul Sharma in the XI as the 4th bowler. why was he dropped? Pathan is very expensive, as a regular 10 over bowler. Hence Indian batting has to compensate for the weak bowling with at least 300 runs to win. A total of 224 just does not cut it. To top it all, Pathan dropped Carter when he was just 6. He went on to make 133!. Pathan topped his blunder with a Golden "Duck". It appears that IPL matches left the Indian Selectors with little choice in selection. If India has to win the decider, they must have 5 regular bowlers + need to be on their toes in fielding & catching. Uthappa & Chand also need to give India a good start. In short formats the whole team contributes on the field. This did not happen as reflected by the result.

on September 17, 2013, 13:40 GMT

first time I saw Carter at Stanford t20 and thought he had great talent. Over the years he didn't able to make senior squad. But today he again showed us what a talent he is? Wish to see him in middle order in test & ODIs (where wi needs specialist not allrounders)

on September 17, 2013, 13:09 GMT

The match was lost due to poor captain-ship on the part of Yuvraj! Just imagine, Yusuf was bowling in power plays!! Why Yuvraj did not bowl at all??? If he was not fit enough then it raises another set of question. In any case, the issue pertains to taking things lightly, which will not help the case of Yuvraj!!!!!

BRUTALANALYST
on September 17, 2013, 13:44 GMT

Great that Carter finally got a game and scores 133 straight up ! I backed this guy since first time I saw him was also disappointed when Barbados dropped him in CPL after some promising starts. From last month ahead of CPL semi,

"Posted by BRUTALANALYST on (August 23, 2013, 17:12 GMT)
I want to see Carter of Barbados back opening I see something in him, hits a clean ball with good technique just needs one big innings and it will all come together for him."

Well Barbados missed out not continuing with him I'm so glad he got chance for W.I A and showed his worth first game getting that big innings . If he gets a couple more scores Darren Bravo's position could be in trouble ! great innings hope there's more to come.

on September 17, 2013, 13:09 GMT

The match was lost due to poor captain-ship on the part of Yuvraj! Just imagine, Yusuf was bowling in power plays!! Why Yuvraj did not bowl at all??? If he was not fit enough then it raises another set of question. In any case, the issue pertains to taking things lightly, which will not help the case of Yuvraj!!!!!

on September 17, 2013, 13:40 GMT

first time I saw Carter at Stanford t20 and thought he had great talent. Over the years he didn't able to make senior squad. But today he again showed us what a talent he is? Wish to see him in middle order in test & ODIs (where wi needs specialist not allrounders)

Nampally
on September 17, 2013, 13:43 GMT

India A bowling is very weak. Only 3 regular bowlers in Unadkat, Vinay & Nadeem- the rest of the bowling was of Club standard. Yuvraj had a choice of leaving Rahul Sharma in the XI as the 4th bowler. why was he dropped? Pathan is very expensive, as a regular 10 over bowler. Hence Indian batting has to compensate for the weak bowling with at least 300 runs to win. A total of 224 just does not cut it. To top it all, Pathan dropped Carter when he was just 6. He went on to make 133!. Pathan topped his blunder with a Golden "Duck". It appears that IPL matches left the Indian Selectors with little choice in selection. If India has to win the decider, they must have 5 regular bowlers + need to be on their toes in fielding & catching. Uthappa & Chand also need to give India a good start. In short formats the whole team contributes on the field. This did not happen as reflected by the result.

SNIFFLEATHER
on September 17, 2013, 13:54 GMT

Indian batsmen will not be the only ones troubled by the pace and accuracy of young Miguel Cummins - a fine prospect.

BRUTALANALYST
on September 17, 2013, 15:47 GMT

I have no idea why W.I are still playing 2 keepers in Fletcher and Thomas whilst being a pace bowler short with 2 very promising left arm quicks in Johnson and Cotterell on the sidelines. Johnson also troubled this India A in the home series I'd really like to see Fletcher take gloves and one of these 2 given a game in place of Thomas.I thought Powell captain's well for first time although I'd like to see them more aggressive to Yuvraj when he first comes in and get pacers to utilize 2 bouncers more often. Cummins was exceptional today as was Miller, troubling Indians with spin is no mean feat an troubling and keeping Yuvi quiet is sign of a top bowler. If any IPL sides are clever they will be watching Miller he has an exceptional economy rate even better than Narines and has been top spinner in region for a while he and pacer Santokie would be big assets to any IPL side.

on September 17, 2013, 18:21 GMT

good win guys very well done carter very proud good knock keep going and working hard on your batting and you will make the team

on September 17, 2013, 22:01 GMT

@brutal anlyst arent they the same school boys who emerged victorious against an indian team,hahha breaking news an school boys team from wi defeated a star studded indian team ,hey dude use ur brain they have 7 international players in their lineup,so,i urge u to change ur comment

Dashgar
on September 17, 2013, 22:22 GMT

Cummins is clearly a star in the making but why isn't Delorn Johnson playing as well. He has been dominating on the A circuit for a while and should be here. If he could play well in Indian conditions he'd be a great inclusion for their test tour.

on September 18, 2013, 5:17 GMT

Unmukth Chand: Whether it is batting or fielding, we keep on seeing a different Chand, who is only half as confident as the normal one when he is THE CAPTAIN. Is it CONFIDENCE, or INTENSITY ? I am not so sure. If it is a drop in the intent, it is not a good trait for a potential leader; and it can sometime or the other let selfishness sneak in. You can see that, in potential run out situations too; he is desperate to keep his wicket and dive into the crease, even when his partner is batting better. May be, for a senior he might sacrifice his wicket. Any way watch him next time, when such a situation arises!

on September 18, 2013, 5:29 GMT

I think, giving a chance to the sidelined players was a good gesture. It looks, as if it should not be anything more than that. Even if they regain their batting or bowling form two things can be erased: (1) Younger alternatives (in bunch) has come up for almost every position; & (2) There is low chance of they regaining the agility and alertness in fielding and catching. We have to keeping moving forward.

Even among the youngsters; we should watch out for sloppiness in fielding / catching, lack of intent (especially when they are just a member of the team); selfishness (not a team player), and similar traits and such youngsters should also be ruthlessly dropped.

Even after putting the list through the above two filters, we have enough to choose from. If SUCH players still lose a couple of matches during the learning /adapting process, it will be a worthwhile investment.